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Mr. Game & Watch in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A Detailed Review

Overview

Mr. Game & Watch is a unique and quirky character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, known for his 2D flat appearance and retro-inspired move set. Originating from Nintendo's Game & Watch handheld consoles, this character stands out for his unpredictable playstyle, exceptional mobility, and unorthodox attacks. He is often considered a high-risk, high-reward character who can be extremely effective in the hands of a skilled player.

Strengths

1. Versatility and Mobility

Mr. Game & Watch boasts excellent mobility, both in the air and on the ground. His lightweight nature allows him to execute quick aerial attacks and reposition himself effectively. His up special, "Fire," gives him incredible vertical recovery, making it difficult for opponents to edgeguard him effectively.

2. Disjointed Hitboxes and Range

Many of Mr. Game & Watch's attacks, such as his neutral air ("Fishbowl") and back air ("Turtle"), have disjointed hitboxes, allowing him to attack opponents from a safe distance. This makes him effective in spacing battles and gives him an edge against characters with shorter reach.

3. Powerful Smash Attacks

His smash attacks, particularly forward smash ("Hammer") and down smash ("Manhole"), are notorious for their high knockback and kill potential. These moves can finish off opponents at relatively low percentages if used correctly, making them a key component of his arsenal.

4. Tools for Edgeguarding

Mr. Game & Watch excels at edgeguarding, with tools like his neutral special ("Chef") that can pressure opponents trying to recover. His down air ("Key") can also be used as a meteor smash, providing additional options to secure stocks offstage.

5. Reflective and Absorptive Abilities

His down special, "Oil Panic," allows him to absorb energy-based projectiles and release a devastating attack once charged. Additionally, his bucket reflects certain projectiles, giving him a unique defensive option against projectile-heavy characters.

Weaknesses

1. Lightweight and Easy to KO

Mr. Game & Watch is one of the lightest characters in the game, making him susceptible to early knockouts from powerful attacks. Players need to be cautious and avoid unnecessary risks, especially at higher percentages.

2. Limited Range on Certain Moves

While he has some disjointed attacks, several of his moves, like his jab and grab, have limited range. This can make it challenging to approach certain characters who can out-range him or apply pressure effectively.

3. Predictable Recovery

Despite having a strong vertical recovery, Mr. Game & Watch's up special can be predictable. Skilled opponents can exploit this by intercepting him with aerial attacks or waiting for his landing.

Effective Playstyle

1. Aerial Dominance

Mr. Game & Watch thrives in the air, thanks to his quick aerials and ability to juggle opponents. Players should focus on maintaining aerial pressure, using neutral air and back air to control space and disrupt opponents' movements.

2. Mix-up Heavy Approach

Due to his unpredictable attacks and animations, Mr. Game & Watch can excel at mix-ups. Players should frequently vary their approach, combining grounded moves with aerial attacks to keep opponents guessing and create openings.

3. Edgeguarding and Offstage Play

Taking advantage of his strong edgeguarding tools is crucial. Utilize Chef to limit recovery options, and follow up with aerials like forward air ("Bomb") or down air to secure offstage kills.

4. Judicious Use of Smash Attacks

While smash attacks are powerful, they also come with some risk due to their lag. Use them strategically when you have a clear opening or as a punishing tool after reading an opponent's move.

Matchups

Favorable Matchups

1. Projectile-based Characters: Characters like Samus or Mega Man can struggle against Mr. Game & Watch's reflective abilities and unpredictability.
2. Heavyweights: Characters like Bowser or Donkey Kong are susceptible to his combos and can be juggled easily.

Challenging Matchups

1. Swordfighters: Characters like Marth or Cloud, with long reach and disjointed hitboxes, can challenge Mr. Game & Watch's spacing.
2. Fast Rushdown Characters: Characters like Fox or Pikachu can overwhelm him with speed and pressure, exploiting his lightweight nature.

Conclusion

Mr. Game & Watch is a unique character with a high skill ceiling, offering a rewarding experience for players who master his playstyle. While he requires careful management of his vulnerabilities, his strengths in mobility, edgeguarding, and unpredictable attacks make him a formidable opponent in the right hands. Adapting to his strengths and weaknesses, along with understanding matchups, is key to maximizing his potential in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.